Description
Succulent honey-lime garlic butter baked salmon elevates seafood with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Delicate fish meets rich, aromatic glaze, promising an effortless gourmet meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by warming the oven to a precise 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking. Protect the baking surface with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together melted butter, olive oil, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Incorporate lime zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin for a complex flavor profile. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Carefully position salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the skin faces downward. Lavishly brush the honey-lime infusion across the fish, creating an even, glistening coating that promises rich flavor and moisture.
- Transfer the salmon to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for visual cues of doneness: the fish should easily separate when prodded with a fork and appear opaque throughout. For an extra layer of caramelization, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute finale, transforming the surface into a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- Gently remove the salmon from the oven, letting it rest momentarily. Embellish with delicate lime slices and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Present the dish alongside complementary accompaniments like roasted seasonal vegetables, fluffy steamed rice, or a crisp, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before marinating to help the honey-lime butter sauce adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
- Adjust baking time based on salmon thickness – thinner fillets will cook faster and can easily dry out if overcooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F with a slightly translucent center.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives by replacing butter with olive oil or coconut oil for those with lactose sensitivities.
- Customize spice levels by adding chili flakes or reducing smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover salmon can be quickly transformed into salads, tacos, or salmon cakes within 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg